So, you’ve finally done it. You’ve finished writing your story, novel, or whatever Frankenstein’s monster of a draft you’ve been pouring your soul into. First of all, congratulations. You’re basically a literary genius now. But before you start planning your victory speech for the Pulitzer Prize, let’s talk about what comes next.
1. Celebrate… or Stare Into the Void
Some people throw a mini dance party when they finish writing. Others sit there, blinking at the screen, wondering how they managed to create that. Either way, take a moment. Breathe. Maybe even step outside and remember what fresh air feels like.
2. Resist the Urge to Edit Immediately
I know, I know. You’re dying to fix that one sentence that’s been haunting you since chapter three. But editing immediately is like baking a cake and trying to ice it while it’s still molten. Let it cool down. Step away for at least a day (or a week, if you’re feeling brave). Trust me, your future self will thank you. If you plan on publishing stepping away for a month is the best choice as you'll eventually reset and the next time you read it you'll read it like a critic not a blind writer. (Blind writer is a phrase I've used because most writers and let's be real people in real life can't see their own mistakes)
3. Read It Again (And Prepare for Pain)
Once you’re ready, read through your story like you’re a reader, not the writer. You’ll likely experience:
- Denial: “This isn’t that bad, right?”
- Bargaining: “Maybe if I just delete these 500 words, it’ll be fine.”
- Acceptance: “Welp. Time to fix this mess.”
4. The Brutal Art of Editing
Editing is where you take your lovable mess and turn it into something readable. This involves:
- Destroying filler words. If you have “just,” “really,” or “very” hanging around, they’re freeloaders. Kick them out.
- Making characters act like actual humans. (Or, you know, like whatever species they are.)
- Checking for plot holes big enough to swallow a planet.
5. Find Someone Who Will Roast You Nicely
At some point, you’ll need feedback. And not the “this is amazing” kind from your best friend who doesn’t want to hurt your feelings. Find someone who will give actual critique—gently, of course. Beta readers, writing groups, or even your mom (if she’s brutally honest) work great. I advise in choosing the person within your book's reading age range and make sure they are brutally honest in a good way basically constructive criticism.
6. The Endless Cycle of Editing (a.k.a. Where Joy Goes to Die)
Now you rewrite, tweak, and edit some more. This is where you either:
- Learn to love the process.
- Question all your life choices.
- Both. (Most likely both.)
7. Decide What to Do With It
- Submit it somewhere. Magazines, contests, publishers—if you’re feeling brave, go for it!
- Self-publish. Because waiting for acceptance letters is overrated.
- Bury it in a drawer. (We all have those “never-to-be-seen” stories. It’s okay.)
- Post it online. Wattpad, blogs, social media—instant audience, instant panic.
8. Start the Next Thing
The best way to get over a finished story? Write another one. Because, let’s be honest, writing is kind of like an addiction. A beautiful, frustrating, never-ending addiction.
And there you have it! Now go forth and edit like the literary champion you are. Or procrastinate and pretend this doesn’t exist for another month. No judgment.
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